Haydns symphony No. 44
Haydn Symphony No. 44
This beautiful and melancholy symphony was written by Joseph Haydn in 1771 for the Esterhazy Family in Germany. It is
also known as “Trauer,” meaning “sad”, “mourning” or sorrowful and is written in Eb minor. Haydn rarely wrote his
symphonies in minor keys. The symphony got its nickname supposedly from a story that Haydn wanted one of the
movements, the slow movement, to be played at his funeral. His request was not met. The dramatic, expressive and different
feel of this piece definitely depicts the more stormy side of Haydn’s musical nature. It has almost an operatic feel as you
approach the middle of the first movement. the four note motif is heard throughout the piece in various keys and guises.
Haydn was adept to constructing entire movements out of short motifs. This piece was a classic example and usually is
associated with the Strum and Drang (storm and stress/longing) movement like most of his symphonies from that period. The
main theme is never lost throughout the symphony.
In regards to Haydns other works, he was a popular court composer during the classical period of music and was
employed by the Estherhazy Family in Germany for over 30 years. Haydns music evolved along with the change of taste and
many of his symphonies during this time had extremely individualistic characteristics. A three or four note theme is
commonly found in Haydns music. and Binary or rounded binary form which is AB or ABA (with repeats) is represented
throughout his works. Haydns famous oratorio titled "The seasons", is a classic display of his outstanding composition skills
and ability to perfect form.
Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 44 was written in 1772. The pseudo of the symphony translates to 'mourning'. The
symphony was written in Haydn's sturm und drang (storm and stress) period. He had been in the employ as Kapellmeister of
the royal Esterhazy family since
This beautiful and melancholy symphony was written by Joseph Haydn in 1771 for the Esterhazy Family in Germany. It is
also known as “Trauer,” meaning “sad”, “mourning” or sorrowful and is written in Eb minor. Haydn rarely wrote his
symphonies in minor keys. The symphony got its nickname supposedly from a story that Haydn wanted one of the
movements, the slow movement, to be played at his funeral. His request was not met. The dramatic, expressive and different
feel of this piece definitely depicts the more stormy side of Haydn’s musical nature. It has almost an operatic feel as you
approach the middle of the first movement. the four note motif is heard throughout the piece in various keys and guises.
Haydn was adept to constructing entire movements out of short motifs. This piece was a classic example and usually is
associated with the Strum and Drang (storm and stress/longing) movement like most of his symphonies from that period. The
main theme is never lost throughout the symphony.
In regards to Haydns other works, he was a popular court composer during the classical period of music and was
employed by the Estherhazy Family in Germany for over 30 years. Haydns music evolved along with the change of taste and
many of his symphonies during this time had extremely individualistic characteristics. A three or four note theme is
commonly found in Haydns music. and Binary or rounded binary form which is AB or ABA (with repeats) is represented
throughout his works. Haydns famous oratorio titled "The seasons", is a classic display of his outstanding composition skills
and ability to perfect form.
Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 44 was written in 1772. The pseudo of the symphony translates to 'mourning'. The
symphony was written in Haydn's sturm und drang (storm and stress) period. He had been in the employ as Kapellmeister of
the royal Esterhazy family since